Heat supply system, heat supply management server, operation method and program

Abstract

To provide a technology which, when suppliable power of power generation equipment has increased more than initially assumed, can utilize the increased suppliable power in heat accumulation operation of a heat supply device.SOLUTION: A heat supply system comprises: a plurality of heat supply devices; power generation equipment which can supply electric power generated by using regenerative energy to the plurality of heat supply devices; and a heat supply management server. Each of the heat supply devices can perform a heat accumulation operation of heating a thermal medium with a heat source unit and accumulating the heated thermal medium in a heat accumulation unit. The heat supply management server acquires suppliable power data, identifies reference power data on the basis of the suppliable power data, and sets a start time of heat accumulation operation so that a coverage rate of power consumption in the heat accumulation operation with reference power is highest with respect to each of the heat supply devices which are to be scheduled for the heat accumulation operations on the basis of the reference power data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heat supply system, a heat supply management server, an operation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat supply system including multiple heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electricity generated using renewable energy to the multiple heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server. Each of the multiple heat supply devices includes a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electric power. Each of the multiple heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. The heat supply management server acquires available power supply data indicating changes over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the multiple heat supply devices. Based on the available power supply data, the server executes a scheduling process to set a start time for the heat storage operation for each of the multiple heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation. In the scheduling process, the server sets the start time for the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the available power supply covers 100% of the power consumed in the heat storage operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-169789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat supply system of Patent Document 1, scheduling is not performed such that the total power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply device that is the subject of scheduling exceeds the expected available power supply. Therefore, when the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment increases more than initially expected, and the available power supply also increases more than initially expected, the increased available power supply cannot be used for the heat storage operation of the heat supply device. This specification provides technology that enables the increased available power supply to be used for the heat storage operation of the heat supply device when the available power supply of the power generation equipment increases more than initially expected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The heat supply system disclosed in this specification may include a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated using renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium, and a heat source unit that heats the heat medium using electric power. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit. The heat supply management server may acquire available power supply data showing changes over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation equipment to the plurality of heat supply devices, and may identify reference power data showing changes over time in reference power based on the available power supply data.Based on the reference power data, the server may execute a scheduling process to set a start time for the heat storage operation for each of the plurality of heat supply devices that is to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, and in the scheduling process, the start time for the heat storage operation may be set for each of the heat supply devices that is to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the standard power in the heat storage operation is highest.

[0006] This specification also discloses a heat supply management server. The heat supply management server may be used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated using renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium and a heat source unit that heats the heat medium using electric power. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. The heat supply management server may acquire available power supply data showing changes over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation equipment to the plurality of heat supply devices, and may identify reference power data showing changes over time in reference power based on the available power supply data.Based on the reference power data, the server may execute a scheduling process to set a start time for the heat storage operation for each of the plurality of heat supply devices that is to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, and in the scheduling process, the start time for the heat storage operation may be set for each of the heat supply devices that is to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the standard power in the heat storage operation is highest.

[0007] This specification also discloses an operation method of a heat supply management server. The heat supply management server may be used in a heat supply system including multiple heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electricity generated using renewable energy to the multiple heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server. Each of the multiple heat supply devices may include a thermal storage unit that stores a heat medium and a heat source unit that heats the heat medium using electric power. Each of the multiple heat supply devices may be capable of performing a thermal storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the thermal storage unit. The operation method may include acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the multiple heat supply devices; identifying reference power data indicating a change over time in reference power, based on the available power supply data; and executing a scheduling process, based on the reference power data, to set a start time of the thermal storage operation for each of the multiple heat supply devices that is to be scheduled for the thermal storage operation. Executing the scheduling process may include setting the start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply device that is the subject of the heat storage operation scheduling so that the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption during the heat storage operation is maximized.

[0008] This specification also discloses a program for a heat supply management server. The heat supply management server may be used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated using renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit for storing a heat medium and a heat source unit for heating the heat medium using electric power. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. The program may cause the heat supply management server to perform the following steps: acquire available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identify reference power data indicating a change over time in reference power, based on the available power supply data; and execute a scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the plurality of heat supply devices to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, based on the reference power data. The step of executing the scheduling process may include a step of setting the start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply device that is the subject of the heat storage operation scheduling so that the coverage rate of the power consumption during the heat storage operation by the reference power is highest.

[0009] In the above configuration, for example, by setting the reference power data higher than the available power supply data or allowing scheduling in the scheduling process such that the coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is less than 100%, it is possible to realize scheduling in which the total power consumption in the heat storage operation of the heat supply device that is the subject of scheduling exceeds the expected available power supply. Therefore, if the power generated by the power generation facility increases more than initially expected and the available power supply increases more than initially expected, the increased available power supply can be used for the heat storage operation of the heat supply device.

[0010] In the heat supply system, the heat supply management server may allow, in the scheduling process, the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation to be less than 100%.

[0011] With the above configuration, even when the reference power data is made to match the available power supply data, it is possible to realize scheduling such that the total power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that are the subject of scheduling exceeds the expected available power supply. Furthermore, with the above configuration, regardless of whether the reference power data is set higher than the available power supply data, it is possible to realize scheduling such that a large number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is high, and a small number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is low.

[0012] In the above-mentioned heat supply system, the heat supply management server may set the available power data as the reference power data before executing the scheduling process, and if a predetermined correction condition is met while executing the scheduling process, the reference power data may be corrected and the scheduling process may be continued.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the available power supply data is initially used as the reference power data, and then the reference power data is corrected when the correction condition is satisfied. By performing scheduling processing based on such reference power data, it is possible to realize a schedule in which a large number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is high, and a small number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is low.

[0014] In the heat supply system, the correction condition may include that the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that have already been scheduled exceeds the reference power at all times.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which more heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is high, and fewer heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is low.

[0016] In the above-mentioned heat supply system, the heat supply management server may set the available power data as the reference power data before executing the scheduling process, and if a predetermined correction condition is met while executing the scheduling process, the reference power data may be corrected and the scheduling process may be continued.

[0017] According to the above configuration, even if the scheduling process does not allow scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is less than 100%, it is possible to realize scheduling in which the total power consumption in the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that are the subject of scheduling exceeds the available power supply.Furthermore, according to the above configuration, regardless of whether or not scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is less than 100% is allowed, it is possible to realize scheduling in which a large number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is high, and a small number of heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is low.

[0018] In the above-mentioned heat supply system, the correction conditions may include the impossibility of scheduling the heat supply device to be scheduled such that the coverage rate of the power consumption during the heat storage operation with the reference power is 100%.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which more heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is high, and fewer heat supply devices perform heat storage operation during time periods when the expected available power supply is low.

[0020] Another heat supply system disclosed in this specification may include a plurality of heat supply devices, a first power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by using renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, a second power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by using renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may include a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium, and a heat source unit that heats the heat medium by using electric power. Each of the plurality of heat supply devices may be capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat source unit heats the heat medium and stores the heated heat medium in the heat storage unit. The heat supply management server may acquire first available power supply data indicating a change over time in first available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the first power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices, and may identify first reference power data indicating a change over time in first reference power based on the first available power supply data. The heat supply management server may execute a first scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the plurality of heat supply devices that belong to a first group based on the first reference power data, and in the first scheduling process, set the start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that belong to the first group so that a coverage rate of the first reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized. a second available power supply data indicating a change over time in a second available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the second power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; second reference power data indicating a change over time in a second reference power may be identified based on the second available power supply data; a second scheduling process may be executed based on the second reference power data to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the plurality of heat supply devices that belong to a second group; and in the second scheduling process, the start time of the heat storage operation may be set for each of the heat supply devices that belong to the second group so that the coverage rate of the second reference power in the heat storage operation is highest.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which the power that can be supplied from the first power generation facility is used for the heat storage operation of the heat supply device of the first group, and the power that can be supplied from the second power generation facility is used for the heat storage operation of the heat supply device of the second group. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of hot water supply systems 100 and 200 according to first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a storage type water heater 104 of Example 1-3. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a process for scheduling a boiling operation executed by the hot water supply management server 116 according to the first and third embodiments. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph showing an example of surplus power data in Examples 1-3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of scheduling of the boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heater 104 performed by the hot water supply management server 116 in Example 1-3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of scheduling of a boiling operation of another hot water storage type water heater 104 performed by the hot water supply management server 116 in Example 1-3. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of correction of reference power consumption data performed by the hot water supply management server 116 in the first and third embodiments. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a process for scheduling a boiling operation executed by the hot water supply management server 116 in the second and third embodiments. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of correction of reference power consumption data performed by the hot water supply management server 116 in the second and third embodiments. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a hot water supply system 300 according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Example 1 1, the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. and a plurality of home gateways 106a, 106b, etc. installed in a plurality of residences 102a, 102b, etc., respectively, a power generation facility 110 and a power management server 112 managed by an electric power company 108, and a hot water supply management server 116 managed by a manufacturer 114 of the storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. The plurality of home gateways 106a, 106b, etc., the power management server 112, and the hot water supply management server 116 are each connected to the Internet 118.

[0024] In the following explanation, each of the multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc., each of the multiple storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc., and each of the multiple home gateways 106a, 106b, etc. may be simply referred to as residence 102, storage type water heater 104, and home gateway 106.

[0025] (Storage type water heater 104) As shown in FIG. 2, the storage type water heater 104 according to this embodiment includes an HP (heat pump) unit 4, a tank unit 6, and a burner unit 8.

[0026] (HP unit 4) The HP unit 4 is a heat source that absorbs heat from outside air to heat water. The HP unit 4 is equipped with an HP heat source 17 consisting of a compressor 10, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 16. The HP unit 4 absorbs heat from outside air to heat water by circulating a refrigerant (e.g., a fluorocarbon-based refrigerant) through the compressor 10, condenser 12, expansion valve 14, and evaporator 16 in that order. The compressor 10 pressurizes the refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure. The condenser 12 cools the refrigerant through heat exchange with water. An HP forward path 19 and an HP return path 21 are connected to both ends of the water flow path of the condenser 12, respectively. The expansion valve 14 decompresses the refrigerant to low temperature and low pressure. The evaporator 16 heats the refrigerant through heat exchange with outside air. The HP unit 4 further includes a circulation pump 18 that circulates water through the condenser 12, a supply thermistor 20 that detects the temperature of the water flowing into the condenser 12, a return thermistor 22 that detects the temperature of the water flowing out of the condenser 12, an outside air temperature thermistor 23 that detects the outside air temperature, and an HP controller 24 that controls the operation of each component of the HP unit 4.

[0027] (Tank Unit 6) The tank unit 6 includes a tank 30, a mixing valve 32, and a bypass control valve 34. The tank 30 is a sealed container covered with thermal insulation and stores water. In this embodiment, the capacity of the tank 30 is, for example, 100 liters. When the circulation pump 18 of the HP unit 4 is driven, water from the bottom of the tank 30 is sent to the condenser 12 via the tank supply path 31 and the HP supply path 19. The water heated in the condenser 12 and heated to a high temperature is returned from the top of the tank 30 to the tank 30 via the HP return path 21 and the tank return path 33. When the water heated by the HP unit 4 flows into the tank 30, a thermal stratification is formed inside the tank 30, with a layer of high-temperature water stacked on top of a layer of low-temperature water. The tank 30 is equipped with an upper thermistor 36 for detecting the temperature of the upper water, an intermediate thermistor 37 for detecting the temperature of the middle water, and a lower thermistor 38 for detecting the temperature of the lower water.

[0028] Tap water is supplied to the tank unit 6 via a water supply path 40. A pressure reducing valve 42 that reduces the water supply pressure and a water inlet thermistor 44 that detects the water supply temperature are attached to the water supply path 40. The water supply path 40 branches into a tank water supply path 46 that communicates with the bottom of the tank 30 and a tank bypass path 48 that communicates with the mixing valve 32. Check valves 50 and 52 are attached to the tank water supply path 46 and the tank bypass path 48, respectively. A water-side water volume sensor 54 that detects the flow rate of tap water flowing into the mixing valve 32 is attached to the tank bypass path 48. The top of the tank 30 and the mixing valve 32 are connected via a tank hot water outlet path 56. A check valve 58 and a hot water volume sensor 60 that detects the flow rate of water from the tank 30 that flows into the mixing valve 32 are attached to the tank hot water outlet path 56.

[0029] The mixing valve 32 mixes tap water flowing in from the tank bypass path 48 with water from the tank 30 flowing in from the tank hot water outlet path 56, and sends the mixed water to a first hot water supply path 62. The mixing valve 32 drives a valve body by a stepping motor (not shown), and adjusts the opening degree on the tank bypass path 48 side (opening degree on the water side) and the opening degree on the tank hot water outlet path 56 side (opening degree on the hot water side). A mixing thermistor 64 that detects the temperature of the water sent out from the mixing valve 32 is attached to the first hot water supply path 62.

[0030] Hot water is supplied from the tank unit 6 to hot water supply locations such as the kitchen, shower, and faucet via a second hot water supply path 66. A hot water supply outlet thermistor 68 that detects the temperature of water supplied to the hot water supply locations, and a check valve 70 are attached to the second hot water supply path 66. The first hot water supply path 62 and the second hot water supply path 66 are connected by a hot water supply bypass path 72. A bypass control valve 34 is attached to the hot water supply bypass path 72. The tank unit 6 further includes a tank controller 74 that controls the operation of each component of the tank unit 6.

[0031] (Burner unit 8) The burner unit 8 includes a burner 80, a heat exchanger 82, a bypass servo 84, a water volume servo 86, and a water filling valve 88. The burner 80 is an auxiliary heat source that heats water flowing through the heat exchanger 82 by burning fuel gas. Fuel gas is supplied to the burner 80 via a gas supply pipe (not shown). Water flows into the heat exchanger 82 from the first hot water supply path 62 of the tank unit 6 via a burner forward path 90. The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 82 flows out to the second hot water supply path 66 of the tank unit 6 via a burner return path 92. The burner forward path 90 is equipped with a water volume servo 86 that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the burner forward path 90, and a water volume sensor 91 that detects the flow rate of water flowing through the burner forward path 90. The burner forward path 90 and the burner return path 92 are connected via a burner bypass path 94. A bypass servo 84 is attached to the connection between the burner outward path 90 and the burner bypass path 94. The bypass servo 84 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing from the burner outward path 90 to the burner bypass path 94. A burner hot water thermistor 96 that detects the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 82 is attached to the burner return path 92. A water filling path 98 branches off from the burner return path 92. A water filling valve 88 is attached to the water filling path 98. Water is filled from the burner unit 8 via the water filling path 98 into the bathtub, which is the hot water supply point.

[0032] The burner unit 8 further includes a burner controller 97 and a remote control 99 capable of communicating with the burner controller 97. The burner controller 97 controls the operation of each component of the burner unit 8. The remote control 99 accepts various operational inputs from the user via switches, buttons, etc. The remote control 99 also notifies the user of various information related to the settings and operation of the hot water storage type water heater 104 by display and audio.

[0033] The HP controller 24, tank controller 74, burner controller 97, and remote control 99 each include a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and a storage unit such as an EEPROM, and the control unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the storage unit. The HP controller 24 and tank controller 74 can communicate with each other. The tank controller 74 and burner controller 97 can also communicate with each other. Therefore, the HP controller 24, tank controller 74, and burner controller 97 cooperate to perform control, allowing the hot water storage type water heater 104 to perform various operations such as boiling operation and hot water supply operation. Hereinafter, the HP controller 24, tank controller 74, and burner controller 97 will be collectively referred to simply as controllers.

[0034] (Boiling operation) In boiling operation, the storage tank water heater 104 drives the HP unit 4 to heat the water in the tank 30. When the boiling operation starts, the controller drives the compressor 10 of the HP heat source 17 to circulate the refrigerant through the compressor 10, condenser 12, expansion valve 14, and evaporator 16 in that order, and drives the circulation pump 18 to circulate water between the tank 30 and the condenser 12. As a result, water sucked out from the bottom of the tank 30 is heated to the target boiling temperature in the condenser 12 and returned to the top of the tank 30. When the temperature detected by the feed thermistor 20 reaches the target boiling temperature, the controller determines that all of the water in the tank 30 has been replaced with water heated to the target boiling temperature, and ends the boiling operation.

[0035] (Hot water operation) In hot water supply operation, water at the hot water supply setting temperature is supplied to the hot water supply location. The hot water supply setting temperature is a temperature set by the user. When the combined flow rate (also called the hot water supply flow rate) of the flow rate detected by the cold water side water volume sensor 54 and the flow rate detected by the hot water side water volume sensor 60 reaches or exceeds the minimum operating flow rate, the controller determines that hot water supply to the hot water supply location has started due to the faucet being opened or the bathtub being filled with water. Depending on the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36, the controller performs the following non-combustion hot water supply operation or combustion hot water supply operation.

[0036] The controller executes non-combustion hot water supply operation when the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36 is equal to or higher than the hot water supply set temperature. In non-combustion hot water supply operation, the controller prohibits the combustion operation of the burner 80 and adjusts the opening of the mixing valve 32 so that the temperature detected by the mixing thermistor 64 becomes the hot water supply set temperature. As a result, water whose temperature has been adjusted to the hot water supply set temperature is supplied to the hot water supply location.

[0037] Furthermore, the controller executes combustion hot water supply operation when the temperature detected by the upper thermistor 36 is lower than the hot water supply setting temperature. In combustion hot water supply operation, the controller permits the combustion operation of the burner 80 and adjusts the opening of the mixing valve 32 so that the temperature detected by the mixing thermistor 64 is lower than the hot water supply setting temperature by the minimum heating capacity of the burner 80. In this case, high-temperature water supplied from the top of the tank 30 and low-temperature water supplied from the water supply path 40 are mixed in the mixing valve 32, heated to the hot water supply setting temperature by the burner 80, and supplied to the hot water supply location. Note that combustion hot water supply operation also includes a case where the mixing valve 32 is fixed in a fully closed position on the tank 30 side. In this case, the controller adjusts the heating capacity of the burner 80 so that the water heated by the burner 80 reaches the hot water supply setting temperature.

[0038] If the hot water supply flow rate falls below the minimum operating flow rate while the non-combustion hot water supply operation or combustion hot water supply operation is being performed, the controller determines that hot water supply to the hot water supply point has ended due to the faucet being closed or the bathtub being filled with water, and ends the hot water supply operation.

[0039] (Home Gateway 106) 1, the home gateway 106 can communicate with the controller of the storage type water heater 104, for example, via a wireless LAN. The controller of the storage type water heater 104 can be connected to the Internet 118 via the home gateway 106.

[0040] (Power generation facility 110) The power generation facility 110 is a facility that generates electricity using renewable energy such as solar power, wind power, wave power, tidal power, running water, and tides. The power utility 108 supplies the electricity generated by the power generation facility 110 to the plurality of residences 102a, 102b, etc. and other consumers. Note that the plurality of residences 102a, 102b, etc. also receive electricity from power utilities other than the power utility 108, but when electricity supplied by the power utility 108 is available, the electricity supplied by the power utility 108 is used preferentially.

[0041] (Power management server 112) The power management server 112 includes a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and a storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, etc., and the control unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the storage unit. The power management server 112 estimates generated power data that indicates changes over time in the power generated by the power generation facility 110 on the current day, based on the actual power generated by the power generation facility 110 over a predetermined period in the past (e.g., one year). The power management server 112 may also estimate generated power data that indicates changes over time in the power generated by the power generation facility 110 on the current day, based on weather data over a predetermined period in the past, the actual power generated by the power generation facility 110, and weather forecast data for the current day. Furthermore, the power management server 112 estimates planned supply power data indicating changes over time in planned supply power to be supplied from the power generation facility 110 to consumers other than the multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc. on that day, based on the actual amount of power supplied from the power generation facility 110 to consumers other than the multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc. over a predetermined period in the past (for example, one year). Note that the power management server 112 may also estimate planned supply power data indicating changes over time in planned supply power to be supplied from the power generation facility 110 to consumers other than the multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc. on that day, based on weather data over a predetermined period in the past, the actual amount of power supplied from the power generation facility 110 to consumers other than the multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc., and weather forecast data for the day. Every day, at a predetermined time (e.g., midnight), the power management server 112 estimates surplus power data that indicates the change over time in the surplus power that can be supplied from the power generation equipment 110 to multiple residences 102a, 102b, etc. on that day, based on the generated power data and the planned supply power data.

[0042] (Hot water supply management server 116) The hot water supply management server 116 is equipped with a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and a storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, etc., and the control unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the storage unit. The hot water supply management server 116 is capable of communicating with the power management server 112 via the Internet 118. The hot water supply management server 116 is also capable of communicating with each of the controllers of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... via the Internet 118.

[0043] (Scheduling of boiling operation) The hot water supply management server 116 schedules the boiling operation of each of the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... so that the utilization ratio of the power generated by the power generation facility 110 is increased with respect to the power consumed by the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, .... The hot water supply management server 116 performs the process shown in Fig. 3 at a predetermined time (for example, 2:00) every day.

[0044] In S2, the hot water supply management server 116 acquires surplus power data from the power management server 112. In this embodiment, the hot water supply management server 116 queries the power management server 112 for surplus power data, and the power management server 112 transmits the surplus power data to the hot water supply management server 116 in response to the query. Alternatively, the surplus power data may be transmitted from the power management server 112 to the hot water supply management server 116 periodically (for example, once a day).

[0045] In S4, the hot water supply management server 116 identifies reference power data based on the surplus power data acquired in S2. In this embodiment, the reference power data is identified to match the surplus power data, as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the reference power data may be identified as the surplus power data to which correction has been applied.

[0046] 3, in S6, hot water supply management server 116 assigns those of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... that are to be subject to the scheduling process for boiling operations to a processing target group. In this embodiment, hot water supply management server 116 assigns all of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... to the processing target group. Alternatively, hot water supply management server 116 may assign only a portion of the multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... to the processing target group.

[0047] In S8, hot water supply management server 116 identifies a required boiling time, which is the time required from the start to the end of boiling operation, for each of storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... included in the processing target group. For example, if each of the controllers of storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... stores the start and end times of boiling operation over a predetermined period of time in the past (e.g., seven days), hot water supply management server 116 identifies the average required boiling time over the predetermined period of time in the past as the required boiling time for each of storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, .... Alternatively, hot water supply management server 116 may identify the maximum or minimum required boiling time over the predetermined period of time in the past as the required boiling time for each of storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., or may identify a predetermined fixed value as the required boiling time.

[0048] In S10, hot water supply management server 116 selects hot water storage type water heater 104' to be scheduled from among hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... included in the processing target group. In this embodiment, hot water supply management server 116 selects, among hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., the one with the longest required boiling time identified in S8, as hot water storage type water heater 104' to be scheduled. Alternatively, hot water supply management server 116 may select, among hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., the one that consumes the most power when performing boiling operation, as hot water storage type water heater 104' to be scheduled.

[0049] In S12, hot water supply management server 116 sets the start time of the boiling operation of storage-type water heater 104' based on the time required for boiling of the water heater to be scheduled, the power consumption when the water heater is operating, and the reference power data. As shown in Fig. 5, hot water supply management server 116 specifies the earliest start time of the boiling operation at which the reference power coverage rate is highest for the power consumption of the boiling operation from the start to the end of the operation, as the start time of the boiling operation of storage-type water heater 104'. Alternatively, hot water supply management server 116 may specify the latest start time of the boiling operation at which the reference power coverage rate is highest for the power consumption of the boiling operation from the start to the end of the operation, or the time closest to the peak time of the reference power, as the start time of the boiling operation of storage-type water heater 104'. In this embodiment, scheduling in which part of the power consumption of the hot water storage type water heater 104' partially exceeds the reference power data, that is, scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power is lower than 100%, is also permitted.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, in S14, the hot water supply management server 116 deletes the hot water storage type water heater 104' that is the subject of scheduling from the processing target group, and updates the processing target group.

[0051] In S16, the hot water supply management server 116 determines whether or not the hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... of the processing target group exist. If the hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... of the processing target group exist (YES), the processing proceeds to S18.

[0052] In S18, the hot water supply management server 116 determines whether or not the reference power data needs to be corrected. In this embodiment, the hot water supply management server 116 determines that the reference power data needs to be corrected if the total power consumption of the hot water boiling operations of the hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. that have already been scheduled at all times on the day exceeds the reference power. If the reference power data does not need to be corrected (NO), the process returns to S10. If it is determined that the reference power data needs to be corrected (YES), the process proceeds to S20.

[0053] In S20, the hot water supply management server 116 corrects the reference power data by adding a predetermined power at all times except for the time period when the reference power is 0. The predetermined power in this case may be, for example, the average value of the power consumption during boiling operation of the multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc., or may be a preset fixed value (for example, 100 W). After processing S20, the process returns to S10.

[0054] In this embodiment, hot water supply management server 116 repeatedly performs the processes from S10 to S18, thereby sequentially scheduling the boiling operation of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., as shown in Fig. 6. Then, as shown in Fig. 7, when the total power consumption of the boiling operation of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., which have already been scheduled, exceeds the reference power at all times on the day, hot water supply management server 116 performs the process of S20 in Fig. 3, thereby correcting the reference power data. Thereafter, hot water supply management server 116 repeatedly performs the process from S10 to S18 (or S20) in Fig. 3, until there are no more hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ..., in the group to be processed, thereby sequentially scheduling the boiling operation of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ...

[0055] In S16 of Figure 3, if there are no hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... in the group to be processed (NO), that is, if the scheduling of boiling operation has been completed for all hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... assigned to the group to be processed in S6, processing proceeds to S22.

[0056] In S22, hot water supply management server 116 transmits the start time of the boiling operation scheduled for each of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... to the controller of the corresponding hot water storage type water heater 104a, 104b, .... Note that hot water supply management server 116 may store the start time of the boiling operation scheduled for each of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... as a scheduling table, or each of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... may inquire of hot water supply management server 116 about the start time of its own boiling operation as necessary. After S22, the processing of Figure 3 ends. Each of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... starts performing the boiling operation when the scheduled start time of the boiling operation arrives on the day.

[0057] Example 2 The hot water supply system 200 of this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the hot water supply system 100 of the first embodiment, and differs only in the scheduling process of the boiling operation performed by the hot water supply management server 116. In this embodiment, the hot water supply management server 116 performs the process shown in Fig. 8 every day at a predetermined time (for example, 2:00).

[0058] The processing from S2 to S10 in Fig. 8 is the same as the processing from S2 to S10 in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, when the hot water storage type water heater 104' to be scheduled is selected in S10 in Fig. 8, the processing proceeds to S32.

[0059] In S32, the hot water supply management server 116 determines whether or not correction of the reference power data is necessary. In this embodiment, the hot water supply management server 116 determines that correction of the reference power data is necessary when it is not possible to schedule the hot water storage type water heater 104' that is the subject of scheduling so that the reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during boiling operation. If it is determined that correction of the reference power data is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to S34. If correction of the reference power data is not necessary (NO), the process proceeds to S36.

[0060] In S34, the hot water supply management server 116 corrects the reference power data by adding a predetermined power to the reference power data at all times except for time periods when the reference power data is 0. The predetermined power may be, for example, the average power consumption of the multiple storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. during boiling operation, or may be a preset fixed value (for example, 100 W). After S34, the process proceeds to S36.

[0061] In S36, similar to S12 in Fig. 3, the hot water supply management server 116 sets the start time of the boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heater 104' based on the time required for boiling of the hot water storage type water heater 104' to be scheduled, the power consumption when performing the boiling operation, and the reference power data. Note that in this embodiment, scheduling is not performed in which part of the power consumption of the hot water storage type water heater 104' partially exceeds the reference power data, i.e., scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power is lower than 100%. After S36, processing proceeds to S14.

[0062] The processes of S14, S16, and S22 in Fig. 8 are substantially the same as the processes of S14, S16, and S22 in Fig. 3. In S16 in Fig. 8, if there are storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... in the processing target group (if YES), the process returns to S10.

[0063] In this embodiment, hot water supply management server 116 repeatedly performs the processes from S10 to S16, thereby sequentially scheduling the boiling operation of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... Then, as shown in Fig. 9, when it becomes impossible to schedule the power consumption of hot water storage type water heater 104', which is the next target of scheduling, so that the coverage rate of the reference power is 100%, hot water supply management server 116 performs the process of S34 in Fig. 8, thereby correcting the reference power data. Thereafter, hot water supply management server 116 repeatedly performs the processes from S10 to S16 in Fig. 8 until there are no more hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... in the group to be processed, thereby sequentially scheduling the boiling operation of hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ...

[0064] Example 3 10, the hot water supply system 300 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the hot water supply system 100 according to Example 1 and the hot water supply system 200 according to Example 2. Below, differences between the hot water supply system 300 according to this embodiment and the hot water supply system 100 according to Example 1 and the hot water supply system 200 according to Example 2 will be described.

[0065] The hot water supply system 300 of this embodiment includes a plurality of power generation facilities 110a, 110b, etc., and a plurality of power management servers 112a, 112b, etc., managed by a plurality of power suppliers 108a, 108b, etc. Each of the plurality of power generation facilities 110a, 110b, etc., has a configuration similar to that of the power generation facility 110 of Examples 1 and 2. Each of the plurality of power management servers 112a, 112b, etc., has a configuration similar to that of the power management server 112 of Examples 1 and 2.

[0066] In this embodiment, the hot water supply management server 116 individually executes the boiling operation scheduling process of Fig. 3 or Fig. 8 for each of the multiple electric power suppliers 108a, 108b, .... At that time, in S6 of Fig. 3 or S6 of Fig. 8, the hot water supply management server 116 assigns to a processing target group, as targets for the boiling operation scheduling process, those of the multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, ... that are installed in a residence 102' corresponding to the electric power supplier 108' that is the target of the boiling operation scheduling process (for example, among the multiple residences 102a, 102b, ..., those that are close to the electric power supplier 108' or those that are in the same area as the electric power supplier 108').

[0067] (Variation) In the above embodiments, the hot water supply systems 100, 200, and 300 were used as examples of heat supply systems, and the hot water storage unit 104 was used as an example of a heat supply device. However, the heat supply system and the heat supply device may supply heat for other purposes, such as heating. In this case, the heat medium may be a heat medium other than water, such as antifreeze. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the tank unit 6 was used as an example of a heat storage unit, but the heat storage unit may store the heat medium in other forms. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the HP unit 4 was used as an example of a heat source unit, but the heat source unit may heat the heat medium in other forms, such as an electric heater.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which surplus power data showing the change over time in the surplus power of the power generation facilities 110, 110a, 110b, etc. is transmitted from the power management servers 112, 112a, 112b, etc. to the hot water supply management server 116 as data showing the change over time in the amount of power that can be supplied from the power generation facilities 110, 110a, 110b, etc. to multiple storage-type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. on the day. Alternatively, the power management server 112, 112a, 112b, etc. may transmit to the hot water management server 116 generated power data indicating the change over time in the power generated by the power generation facilities 110, 110a, 110b, etc. as data indicating the change over time in the power that can be supplied from the power generation facilities 110, 110a, 110b, etc. to the multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104a, 104b, etc. on the day.

[0069] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the hot water supply systems 100, 200 (an example of a heat supply system) include a plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 (an example of a heat supply device), a power generation facility 110 capable of supplying electricity generated using renewable energy to the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104, and a hot water supply management server 116 (an example of a heat supply management server). Each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 includes a tank unit 6 (an example of a heat storage unit) that stores water (an example of a heat medium), and an HP unit 4 (an example of a heat source unit) that heats the water using electricity. Each of the plurality of storage-type water heaters 104 is capable of performing a boiling operation (an example of a heat storage operation) in which water is heated by the HP unit 4 and the heated water is stored in the tank unit 6. The hot water supply management server 116 acquires surplus power data (an example of supplyable power data) showing the change over time in surplus power (an example of supplyable power), which is power that can be supplied from the power generation equipment 110 to multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104, and based on the surplus power data, identifies reference power data showing the change over time in reference power, and based on the reference power data, executes a scheduling process to set the start time of boiling operation for each of the multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104 that are to be scheduled for boiling operation, and in the scheduling process, sets the start time of boiling operation for each of the hot water storage type water heaters 104 that are to be scheduled for boiling operation so that the coverage rate of the standard power for power consumption in boiling operation is highest.

[0070] In the above configuration, for example, by setting the reference power data higher than the surplus power data or allowing scheduling in the scheduling process such that the coverage rate of the reference power for power consumption in boiling operation is less than 100%, it is possible to achieve scheduling such that the total power consumption in the boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heater 104 that is the subject of scheduling exceeds the expected surplus power. Therefore, if the power generated by the power generation facility 110 increases more than initially expected and the surplus power also increases more than initially expected, the increased surplus power can be used for the boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heater 104.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the hot water supply management server 116 allows the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption in the boiling operation to be less than 100% in the scheduling process.

[0072] With the above configuration, even when the reference power data is made to match the surplus power data, it is possible to realize scheduling such that the total power consumption of the hot water boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heaters 104 that are the subject of scheduling exceeds the expected surplus power. Furthermore, with the above configuration, regardless of whether the reference power data is set higher than the surplus power data, it is possible to realize scheduling such that a large number of hot water storage type water heaters 104 perform the hot water boiling operation during time periods when the expected surplus power is high, and a small number of hot water storage type water heaters 104 perform the hot water boiling operation during time periods when the expected surplus power is low.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the hot water supply management server 116 sets the surplus power data as reference power data before executing the scheduling process, and when a predetermined correction condition is met while executing the scheduling process, corrects the reference power data and continues the scheduling process.

[0074] According to the above configuration, surplus power data is initially used as the reference power data, and then the reference power data is corrected when the correction condition is satisfied. By performing scheduling processing based on such reference power data, it is possible to realize a schedule in which a large number of storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during time periods when there is a large amount of expected surplus power, and a small number of storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during time periods when there is a small amount of expected surplus power.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the correction condition includes the sum of the power consumption of the already scheduled boiling water operation of the storage-type water heater 104 exceeding the reference power at all times.

[0076] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which more storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during times when there is a lot of expected surplus electricity, and fewer storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during times when there is less expected surplus electricity.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the hot water supply management server 116 sets the surplus power data as reference power data before executing the scheduling process, and when a predetermined correction condition is met while executing the scheduling process, corrects the reference power data and continues the scheduling process.

[0078] According to the above configuration, even if the scheduling process does not allow scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power for power consumption in boiling operation is less than 100%, it is possible to achieve scheduling in which the total power consumption in boiling operation of the hot water storage type water heaters 104 that are the subject of scheduling exceeds surplus power. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, regardless of whether or not scheduling in which the coverage rate of the reference power for power consumption in boiling operation is less than 100% is allowed, it is possible to achieve scheduling in which a large number of hot water storage type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during time periods when there is a lot of expected surplus power, and a small number of hot water storage type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during time periods when there is little expected surplus power.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the correction conditions include the impossibility of scheduling the storage-type water heater 104' to be scheduled such that the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption during boiling operation is 100%.

[0080] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which more storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during times when there is a lot of expected surplus electricity, and fewer storage-type water heaters 104 perform boiling operation during times when there is less expected surplus electricity.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, a hot water supply system 300 (an example of a heat supply system) includes a plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104 (an example of a heat supply device), a power generation facility 110a (an example of a first power generation facility) capable of supplying electric power generated using renewable energy to the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104, a power generation facility 110b (an example of a second power generation facility) capable of supplying electric power generated using renewable energy to the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104, and a hot water supply management server 116 (an example of a heat supply management server). Each of the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104 includes a tank unit 6 (an example of a heat storage unit) that stores water (an example of a heat medium), and an HP unit 4 (an example of a heat source unit) that heats the water using electric power. Each of the plurality of hot water storage type water heaters 104 is capable of performing a boiling operation (an example of a heat storage operation) in which water is heated by the HP unit 4 and the heated water is stored in the tank unit 6.The hot water supply management server 116 acquires first surplus power data (an example of first supplyable power data) showing a change over time in first surplus power (an example of first supplyable power), which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility 110a to the plurality of hot water storage type hot water heaters 104, identifies first reference power data showing a change over time in first reference power based on the first surplus power data, and executes a first scheduling process based on the first reference power data to set a start time of boiling operation for each of the plurality of hot water storage type hot water heaters 104 belonging to a first group, and in the first scheduling process, sets the start time of boiling operation for each of the hot water storage type hot water heaters 104 belonging to the first group so as to maximize the coverage rate of the first reference power of power consumed in boiling operation. A time is set, second surplus power data (an example of second supplyable power data) showing the change over time in second surplus power (an example of second supplyable power), which is power that can be supplied from the power generation equipment 110b to multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104, is obtained, second reference power data showing the change over time in the second reference power is identified based on the second surplus power data, and a second scheduling process is performed based on the second reference power data to set the start time of boiling operation for each of the multiple hot water storage type water heaters 104 that belong to a second group, and in the second scheduling process, the start time of boiling operation is set for each of the hot water storage type water heaters 104 that belong to the second group so that the coverage rate of the second reference power for the power consumption in boiling operation is highest.

[0082] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a schedule in which the electricity that can be supplied from the power generation equipment 110a is used for the boiling operation of the storage type water heaters 104 of the first group, and the electricity that can be supplied from the power generation equipment 110b is used for the boiling operation of the storage type water heaters 104 of the second group.

[0083] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 4:HP unit 6: Tank unit 8: Burner unit 10: Compressor 12: Condenser 14: Expansion valve 16: Evaporator 17:HP heat source 18: Circulation pump 19: Route to HP 20: Forward thermistor 21:HP return route 22: Return thermistor 23: Outdoor temperature thermistor 24:HP Controller 30: Tank 31: Route to the tank 32: Mixing valve 33: Tank return route 34: Bypass control valve 36: Upper thermistor 37: Intermediate thermistor 38: Lower thermistor 40: Water supply route 42: Pressure reducing valve 44: Water inlet thermistor 46: Tank water supply route 48: Tank bypass route 50: Check valve 52: Check valve 54: Water side water level sensor 56: Tank outlet route 58: Check valve 60: Hot water level sensor 62: First hot water supply route 64: Mixed thermistor 66: Second hot water supply route 68: Hot water outlet thermistor 70: Check valve 72: Hot water bypass route 74: Tank Controller 80: Burner 82:Heat exchanger 84: Bypass servo 86: Water volume servo 88: Bath valve 90: Outbound to Burna 91: Water volume sensor 92: Return to Barna 94: Burner bypass route 96: Burner hot water thermistor 97: Burner controller 98: Bathing route 99: Remote control 100: Hot water system 102: Residence 102a: Residence 102b: Residence 104: Storage water heater 104a: Storage water heater 104b: Storage water heater 106: Home Gateway 106a: Home Gateway 106b: Home Gateway 108:Electric power company 108a:Electric utility 108b:Electric power company 110: Power generation facilities 110a: Power generation facilities 110b: Power generation facilities 112: Power management server 112a: Power management server 112b: Power management server 114: Manufacturer 116: Hot water management server 118: Internet 200: Hot water system 300: Hot water system

Claims

1. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; Before executing the scheduling process, the reference power data is set to be equal to or higher than the available power supply data; A heat supply system in which, if the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that have already been scheduled exceeds the reference power while the scheduling process is being performed, the reference power data is corrected to increase the reference power, and the scheduling process is continued.

2. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; Before executing the scheduling process, the reference power data is set to be equal to or higher than the available power supply data; A heat supply system in which, if it is impossible to schedule the heat supply device to be scheduled so that the reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during the heat storage operation while the scheduling process is being performed, the reference power data is corrected to increase the reference power and the scheduling process is continued.

3. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; A heat supply system that sets the reference power data to be higher than the available power supply data before executing the scheduling process.

4. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a first power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, a second power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring first available supply power data indicating a change over time in first available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the first power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying first reference power data indicating a change in a first reference power over time based on the first available power supply data; executes a first scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a first group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the first reference power data; In the first scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the first group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the first reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is maximized; before executing the first scheduling process, setting the first reference power data to be equal to or higher than the first available power supply data; If the sum of the power consumptions of the heat storage operations of the heat supply devices for which scheduling has already been performed exceeds the first reference power while the first scheduling process is being performed, the first reference power data is corrected so as to increase the first reference power, and the first scheduling process is continued; acquiring second available supply power data indicating a change over time in second available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the second power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying second reference power data indicating a change in second reference power over time based on the second available power supply data; performing a second scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a second group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the second reference power data; In the second scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the second group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the second reference power in the power consumption during the heat storage operation is maximized; before executing the second scheduling process, setting the second reference power data to be equal to or higher than the second available power supply data; A heat supply system in which, if the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that have already been scheduled exceeds the second reference power while the second scheduling process is being executed, the second reference power data is corrected to increase the second reference power, and the second scheduling process is continued.

5. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a first power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, a second power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring first available supply power data indicating a change over time in first available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the first power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying first reference power data indicating a change in a first reference power over time based on the first available power supply data; executes a first scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a first group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the first reference power data; In the first scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the first group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the first reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is maximized; before executing the first scheduling process, setting the first reference power data to be equal to or higher than the first available power supply data; while the first scheduling process is being performed, if it is impossible to perform scheduling for the heat supply device to be scheduled such that the coverage rate of the power consumption in the heat storage operation by the first reference power is 100%, correct the first reference power data so as to increase the first reference power, and continue the first scheduling process; acquiring second available supply power data indicating a change over time in second available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the second power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying second reference power data indicating a change in second reference power over time based on the second available power supply data; performing a second scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a second group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the second reference power data; In the second scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the second group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the second reference power in the power consumption during the heat storage operation is maximized; before executing the second scheduling process, setting the second reference power data to be equal to or higher than the second available power supply data; a heat supply system in which, while executing the second scheduling process, if it is impossible to schedule the heat supply device to be scheduled so that the second reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during the heat storage operation, the second reference power data is corrected to increase the second reference power, and the second scheduling process is continued.

6. A heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a first power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, a second power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and a heat supply management server, Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring first available supply power data indicating a change over time in first available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the first power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying first reference power data indicating a change in a first reference power over time based on the first available power supply data; executes a first scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a first group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the first reference power data; In the first scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the first group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the first reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is maximized; Before executing the first scheduling process, the first reference power data is set to be higher than the first available power supply data; acquiring second available supply power data indicating a change over time in second available supply power, which is power that can be supplied from the second power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; identifying second reference power data indicating a change in second reference power over time based on the second available power supply data; performing a second scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices belonging to a second group among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the second reference power data; In the second scheduling process, for each of the heat supply devices belonging to the second group, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the second reference power in the power consumption during the heat storage operation is maximized; A heat supply system that, before executing the second scheduling process, sets the second reference power data to be higher than the second available power supply data.

7. A heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; Before executing the scheduling process, the reference power data is set to be equal to or higher than the available power supply data; If, while executing the scheduling process, the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply devices that have already been scheduled exceeds the reference power, the heat supply management server corrects the reference power data to increase the reference power and continues the scheduling process.

8. A heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; Before executing the scheduling process, the reference power data is set to be equal to or higher than the available power supply data; If, while executing the scheduling process, it is impossible to schedule the heat supply device to be scheduled so that the reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during the heat storage operation, the heat supply management server corrects the reference power data to increase the reference power and continues the scheduling process.

9. A heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The heat supply management server acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; Identifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation among the plurality of heat supply devices based on the reference power data; In the scheduling process, for each heat supply device that is a target for scheduling the heat storage operation, a start time of the heat storage operation is set so that a coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; The heat supply management server sets the reference power data to be higher than the available power supply data before executing the scheduling process.

10. A method for operating a heat supply management server, comprising: the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The operating method includes: acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying reference power data indicating a time-dependent change in reference power based on the available power supply data so that the reference power data matches the available power supply data or is higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; Executing the scheduling process setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply apparatus to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; An operating method comprising correcting the reference power data so as to increase the reference power when the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply device for which scheduling has already been performed exceeds the reference power.

11. A method for operating a heat supply management server, comprising: the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The operating method includes: acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying reference power data indicating a time-dependent change in reference power based on the available power supply data so that the reference power data matches the available power supply data or is higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; Executing the scheduling process setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply apparatus to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; An operating method comprising correcting the reference power data to increase the reference power when it is impossible to schedule a heat supply device to be scheduled such that the reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during the heat storage operation.

12. A method for operating a heat supply management server, comprising: the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The operating method includes: acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying reference power data indicating a change in reference power over time based on the available power supply data so that the reference power data is higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process to set a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; An operating method in which executing the scheduling process includes setting the start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply device that is the target of the heat storage operation scheduling so that the coverage rate of the power consumption in the heat storage operation by the reference power is highest.

13. A program for a heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The program is installed in the heat supply management server. acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying, based on the available power supply data, reference power data indicating a time-dependent change in reference power so as to match the available power supply data or be higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; The step of executing the scheduling process includes: setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply apparatus to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; The program comprises a step of correcting the reference power data so as to increase the reference power when the sum of the power consumption of the heat storage operation of the heat supply device for which scheduling has already been performed exceeds the reference power.

14. A program for a heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The program is installed in the heat supply management server. acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying, based on the available power supply data, reference power data indicating a time-dependent change in reference power so as to match the available power supply data or be higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; The step of executing the scheduling process includes: setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply apparatus to be scheduled for the heat storage operation so that the coverage rate of the reference power in the heat storage operation is maximized; A program comprising a step of correcting the reference power data to increase the reference power when it is impossible to schedule a heat supply device to be scheduled such that the reference power covers 100% of the power consumption during the heat storage operation.

15. A program for a heat supply management server, the heat supply management server is used in a heat supply system including a plurality of heat supply devices, a power generation facility capable of supplying electric power generated by utilizing renewable energy to the plurality of heat supply devices, and the heat supply management server; Each of the plurality of heat supply devices is a heat storage unit that stores a heat medium; The heating device includes a heat source unit that uses electric power to heat the heating medium, each of the plurality of heat supply devices is capable of performing a heat storage operation in which the heat medium is heated by the heat source unit and the heated heat medium is stored in the heat storage unit; The program is installed in the heat supply management server. acquiring available power supply data indicating a change over time in available power supply, which is power that can be supplied from the power generation facility to the plurality of heat supply devices; specifying, based on the available power supply data, reference power data indicating a time-dependent change in reference power, so as to be higher than the available power supply data; executing a scheduling process for setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each of the heat supply devices that are to be scheduled for the heat storage operation, among the plurality of heat supply devices, based on the reference power data; The step of executing the scheduling process includes a step of setting a start time of the heat storage operation for each heat supply device that is the target of the heat storage operation scheduling so that the coverage rate of the reference power for the power consumption in the heat storage operation is highest.

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